Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken strict action after a batch of ready-mix concrete meant for road construction failed the slump test, raising concerns about quality control. The issue came to light during a surprise inspection by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar on March 20 at Late Nitu Mandke Road in Mankhurd-Agarwadi Village and Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Road in Chembur.
A slump test, conducted to assess the workability and water-cement ratio of the concrete, showed higher-than-expected slump readings at the worksite compared to those recorded at the RMC plant. Taking serious note of this discrepancy, Bangar ordered the rejection of the concrete mix and directed that the mixer truck be sent back. Experts from IIT Bombay were consulted, and an inquiry has been launched against the contractor and the quality monitoring agency (QMA).
Bangar has called for an explanation from both the contractor and QMA, stating that strict action will be taken if lapses are found. He also issued new directives to ensure that such issues do not recur. Contractors must now prepare three different concrete mix designs based on the travel time from the RMC plant to the worksite to prevent quality deterioration. The transport time must be verified using Google Maps, and the appropriate mix must be selected to maintain the required concrete strength. A detailed circular outlining these measures will be issued soon.
During the inspection, Bangar emphasized the importance of quality control and reminded officials of BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani’s instructions that junior and assistant engineers must be physically present at work sites, particularly during night shifts, when road work is being executed. Engineers are expected to conduct tests, ensure quality compliance, and actively supervise the work rather than simply marking their attendance.
Citizen complaints regarding road conditions in Yashwant Nagar, Chembur, were also addressed during the visit. Bangar assured residents that underground sewage work is currently in progress and directed the Roads and Sewerage Departments to complete the work before the monsoon season.
In addition to addressing quality issues, Bangar also reviewed the pre-cast concrete road construction in Godrej Compound, Vikhroli. He has ordered discussions with IIT Bombay experts to explore whether pre-cast technology can be adopted on a larger scale for faster and more durable road construction across Mumbai.
With the city’s road concretization project in full swing, BMC is implementing strict quality control measures to ensure long-lasting infrastructure. The rejection of substandard concrete reflects the administration’s firm stance against negligence and poor execution in public works. The inspection was attended by IIT Bombay professors P. Vedagiri and Solomon Dibbarthi, Deputy Commissioner for Infrastructure Shashank Bhore, Deputy Chief Engineer for Roads and Traffic (Eastern Suburbs) Sanjay Sonawane, and representatives from the Quality Control Agency.